Hillsong Church leads Dove nominees

August 15, 2014

NASHVILLE — Music originating from Australia’s Hillsong Church leads the list of nominees for the 45th annual Dove Awards. Other top contenders — with five nominations each — include Lecrae, Mandisa and Matt Maher.

The Dove Awards are sponsored by the Gospel Music Association to honor the best in Christian music and are decided by the votes of GMA members.

The awards show is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Nashville’s Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University and will be broadcast live on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

“The Doves celebrate the impact of all genres of Gospel music, recognizing talent, ministry and outstanding performances,” GMA executive director Jackie Patillo said in a press release. “It is an honor and a privilege to once again have Lipscomb University as our host for Gospel music’s biggest event of the year.”

In announcing a new partnership with TBN, Patillo expressed excitement about the show’s live broadcast — something that hasn’t happened in several years.

“… Not only do our organizations align in mission, but TBN will get the show and our music out to a greater audience than ever before,” she said. “With their global and multi-platform enabled technology, virtually everyone, anywhere will be able to watch this year’s show.”

In the Aug. 13 announcement of nominees, Mandisa was nominated for song of the year (“Overcomer”), artist of the year and in three additional categories. Lecrae was nominated for artist of the year and in four other categories. Matt Maher was recognized for the song “Lord, I Need You” (nominated for song of the year) and in four other categories for his writing and performing.

Music and artists from Hillsong Church, a mega-church based in Sydney, Australia, led the nominations, including nods for song of the year (“Oceans”), artist of the year, new artist of the year and several others.